MFA: Ukraine Biggest Recipient of Humanitarian Aid from Slovakia in 2025

Bratislava, 19 August (TASR) - In 2025, Slovakia provided a total of €4.9 million in humanitarian aid abroad, of which almost 40 percent consisted of material aid amounting to 150 tonnes, Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) highlighted on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, adding that Ukraine was the biggest recipient of humanitarian aid from Slovakia last year. Slovakia provides humanitarian and development aid in partner countries under the SlovakAid brand. "In Ukraine, we're responding to the immediate consequences of the war on civilians and supporting the protection of the lives and health of people affected by this conflict. At the same time, Slovakia is channelling humanitarian aid to other crisis-hit areas, where we're helping to mitigate the consequences of these crises. In this way as well we're upholding the principles of solidarity and responsibility, which are a key part of our foreign policy," emphasised Minister Blanar in a statement sent to TASR by the ministry's communications department. Material aid for Ukraine, worth over €1.5 million, included two containerised water-treatment plants, a tent camp for 250 people, disinfectants, generators, solid-fuel stoves, IT equipment, clothing, non-perishable food and fuel drums. Slovakia also provided €300,000 for modernising and reconstructing underground areas in educational facilities to serve as shelters, and €500,000 to support energy supplies for homes in Ukraine. Medical support was also part of the humanitarian aid provided to Slovakia's eastern neighbour. In northern Iraq, Slovak humanitarian aid focused on strengthening water security and food self-sufficiency for local, internally displaced and refugee communities. The project, implemented in cooperation with Slovak Catholic Charity, involved the construction of two wells, an irrigation system for an orchard and the use of solar energy. Slovakia also contributed to humanitarian aid in Lebanon, where it supported projects aimed at improving education and health care for vulnerable groups. In 2025, Slovak humanitarian aid was also sent to other crisis-hit areas. Slovakia provided material aid worth almost €390,000 to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Cuba, Lebanon, Jamaica and the Gaza Strip. am/df